Family Enrichment Network gets $4M to build housing for the homeless

JOHNSON CITY (WBNG) — The Family Enrichment Network in Johnson City will receive a portion of $29.6 million in funding being awarded to eight projects across New York state that will provide homeless veterans, survivors of domestic violence and individuals with mental illness with permanent housing and support services.

According to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office, the Family Enrichment Network is getting $4.1 million.

Officials with Gov. Cuomo’s office say the funding, when combined with other sources, will develop 19 units of permanent supportive housing in Binghamton for homeless families and individuals, including young adults between the ages of 18 and 25, and individuals with an intellectual/developmental disability.

We first learned of Binghamton’s partnership with the Family Enrichment Network and the Southern Tier Homeless Coalition in Mayor Rich David’s 2018 State of the City address. Mayor David said the goal is to end homelessness in the city.

“It will take a collaborative effort,” David told 12 News in February.

The families and individuals will also have access to support services, including case management, rental assistance, adult literacy courses, financial literacy classes, legal advocacy, transportation and parenting education.

“These projects will provide much-needed housing and critical services to vulnerable New Yorkers, helping them achieve stability and giving them a chance at a better life,” Governor Cuomo said in a statement. “Across the state, we are investing in supportive housing projects to help revitalize communities and end the homeless crisis once and for all.”

His office says the grants, awarded through the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing Assistance Program, will create 215 supportive housing units in seven counties and fund necessary repairs at three emergency shelters in Suffolk County.

According to a news release, the projects – located in Oneida, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Broome, Bronx, Warren, and Livingston counties – are also supported through other funding sources. In total, officials say they represent a $198 million investment that will add a total of 472 units of affordable and supportive housing throughout the state.